Intertek, a leading global quality solutions provider, and NIRAS, a global offshore specialist, have been appointed by National Grid Viking Link Limited (National Grid) and Energinet.dk (Energinet) as Marine Consultants to support with the permitting of Viking Link -- a proposed major international offshore infrastructure project linking electricity networks in Great Britain and Denmark.
The project is being jointly developed by National Grid through National Grid Viking Link Limited and its other subsidiaries, and Energinet.dk, the Danish transmission system operator. Viking Link is a proposal to build a high voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnector between Denmark and Great Britain using subsea and underground cables, which also crosses German and Dutch territories. Currently at initial development stage, the interconnector is expected to be 600 to 700 km in offshore cable length and have a capacity of 1,400 MW. Viking Link is scheduled to be operational in 2022.
As Marine Consultants, Intertek and NIRAS will have overall responsibility for the delivery of all consent application material to permit the installation of the submarine cables for Viking Link in all four territories - Danish, German, Dutch and British waters. The scope of services include: cable route optimisation, marine survey support, preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA), and stakeholder engagement across all jurisdictions.
Intertek and NIRAS have extensive environmental and permitting expertise in the UK and Denmark. Further input support will be provided by Witteveen+Bos Consulting Engineers B. V. and IfA? (Institut für Angewandte ?kosystemforschung GmbH) for specialist advice relating to Dutch and German waters.
Frank Beiboer, Managing Director of Intertek Energy & Water Consultancy Services, said: “We at Intertek are pleased to have been selected by National Grid and Energinet and look forward to working closely with their project team to develop this major international offshore infrastructure project. Our power cable track-record spans more than 15 years and 10 interconnectors.”
Betina Heron, Executive Director for Environment and Energy in NIRAS, said: “NIRAS has been providing environmental consultancy services to the energy sector for 25 years. This contract reinforces our expertise in permitting and EIA for marine infrastructure across multiple jurisdictions and builds on our track-record in offshore wind, ports and harbours.”
